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Lugo will likely retire following Caribbean Series

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HERMOSILLO, Mexico -- Julio Lugo's professional baseball career is down to a matter of days.

The 37-year-old middle infielder -- who played 12 Major League seasons, was the Red Sox's starting shortstop when they won the World Series in 2007 and was a part of seven organizations -- is expected to hang up his cleats when the Caribbean Series comes to an end on Friday.

"It might be [the end], unless something comes that changes my mind," Lugo said. "But I think this is going to be it for me."

Lugo, who last played with the Braves in 2011, compiled a .269 batting average and .333 on-base percentage in the Majors, where he was deemed a strong defensive shortstop and valuable clubhouse presence. In 2012, a Minor League deal with the Indians fell apart and he wound up out of pro baseball in the United States.

At Estadio Sonora, he's suiting up for the Dominican Republic's Leones del Escogido, which has won three of the past four Caribbean Series titles and began the tournament 3-0.

Once he's finished, Lugo will dedicate more time to his kids and a construction business he has in the Dominican Republic.

"I played good and had a good career," Lugo said, "and I just think it's the right time now."